By Kristi Oberholzer
Copy Editor

GravelGravelFormer U.S. Sen. Mike Gravel, D-Alaska, has been picking up national attention lately, especially since his performance at the South Carolina Democratic presidential debate. Known for his bold positions and comments, this maverick is looking to separate himself from the other Democratic candidates and gain the public’s support.
With a little more than six months left before the first presidential primaries, all candidates’ campaigns are now running in full force.
Currently 18 men and one woman are working to win state primaries, chiefly the states with the earliest primary elections, including Alabama. Gravel agreed to a phone interview with the Plainsman where he addressed topics that most college-age people tend to face around election season.
One of the hottest issues on all voters’ mind is the Iraq War. Gravel has consistently maintained his position of immediate withdraw of all American troops to have them back in America within 60 days.
“You wouldn’t cut off all ties after leaving any country. We would withdraw American troops, maintain our embassy and invite major world players to end a civil war we caused,” said Gravel, expressing his desires for a more diplomatic approach.
Gravel, a veteran of the U.S. Army, said he is “very sensitive” to benefits for soldiers returning home from war. When asked about ensuring veterans’ medical and educational benefits, Gravel said, “Our people serve and pay a price both mentally and physically. Their needs must be met.”
Concerning education costs, Auburn exemplifies a growing national pattern, as tuition here increased five percent this year. As a man who worked while attending college full time, Gravel addressed this issue saying, “I thought (prices) were unfair then, and I think it is unfair now. The cost of education must be born off the central government, not as a burden on the student.
Taxes are another topic where Gravel deviates from the norm. While many Democratic candidates are consenting to possible tax increases, Gravel proposes eliminating the Internal Revenue Service as well as the income tax.
Instead, a progressive sales tax would be implemented where all consumers of new merchandise would be taxed a flat rate. Gravel also asserts that this tax will entirely fund Medicare and Social Security.
“Our present income tax is corrupt, no one understands it, and lobbyists make sure their clients are taken care of by the expense of the individual. (The FairTax) has total transparency and fairness, and that’s what we lack at our present system,” said Gravel. “This will change the country from a consumer society to a savings society.”
Arguably the most important push in Gravel’s campaign is his belief in The National Initiative.     
Under this proposed legislation, every American citizen would essentially become a lawmaker by means of a federal ballot initiative.
“A vote for me makes me president, but I can’t be effective unless you become lawmakers and partners,” Gravel said. “This adds a fourth check, an independent check, to the system of checks and balances, that simply can’t be avoided.”
Gravel has received positive responses from Sunday night’s third Democratic debate, but some citizens still complain that not all candidates are exposed to equal media time.
Dr. Steven Brown, a political science and law professor here at Auburn, said, “even if (candidates) had an equal number of questions and same length of time, that sort of setting is difficult to convey your vision.”
Brown also said we hold debates “because we think getting those guys in the public will help them out.”
Even though everyone does not feel an excitement for politics, the Auburn College Democrats certainly keep updated on the debates.
Jeffrey Ioimo, president of ACD, thinks “the Democrats have a tremendous chance to win the 2008 presidency.”
The next Democratic presidential debate is scheduled for July 23, in Charleston, S.C., and will be hosted by YouTube/Google. Keep a watch out for other presidential candidate interviews throughout the summer editions.
Taxes are another topic where Gravel deviates from the norm. While many Democratic candidates are consenting to possible tax increases, Gravel proposes eliminating the Internal Revenue Service as well as the income tax.
Instead, a progressive sales tax would be implemented where all consumers of new merchandise would be taxed a flat rate. Gravel also asserts that this tax will entirely fund Medicare and Social Security.
“Our present income tax is corrupt, no one understands it, and lobbyists make sure their clients are taken care of by the expense of the individual. (The FairTax) has total transparency and fairness, and that’s what we lack at our present system,” said Gravel. “This will change the country from a consumer society to a savings society.”
Arguably the most important push in Gravel’s campaign is his belief in The National Initiative.     
Under this proposed legislation, every American citizen would essentially become a lawmaker by means of a federal ballot initiative.
“A vote for me makes me president, but I can’t be effective unless you become lawmakers and partners,” Gravel said. “This adds a fourth check, an independent check, to the system of checks and balances, that simply can’t be avoided.”
Gravel has received positive responses from Sunday night’s third Democratic debate, but some citizens still complain that not all candidates are exposed to equal media time.
Dr. Steven Brown, a political science and law professor here at Auburn, said, “even if (candidates) had an equal number of questions and same length of time, that sort of setting is difficult to convey your vision.”
Brown also said we hold debates “because we think getting those guys in the public will help them out.”
Even though everyone does not feel an excitement for politics, the Auburn College Democrats certainly keep updated on the debates.
Jeffrey Ioimo, president of ACD, thinks “the Democrats have a tremendous chance to win the 2008 presidency.”
The next Democratic presidential debate is scheduled for July 23, in Charleston, S.C., and will be hosted by YouTube/Google. Keep a watch out for other presidential candidate interviews throughout the summer editions.